If you had just a few more days to live, what would you say to your closest family and friends?

This is a question I often ask myself. Sometimes I brainstorm what crazy deep words of wisdom or groundbreaking encouragement I would give. How would I leave my loved ones with a big mic drop moment before I died? In Jesus’ final days on earth, he took full advantage of the time he had left just to be with His disciples.

Serve them.

Love them.

Pray for them.

Speak over them.

Break bread with them.

And then speak to them.

Jesus could have said anything, and I mean anything, before ascending to heaven.

He could have told them details about the growth of the church over the next hundred years, and how they would flourish and prevail despite the persecution they would face. He could have spoken to each disciple individually, foretelling exactly what the rest of their lives would look like.

But instead of sharing that kind of information, he left them with a gift.

After washing his disciples’ feet and foreshadowing His impending betrayal by Judas, Jesus comforted his disciples.

He spoke encouragement into their lives, rallying them to continue believing and persevering in the faith.

At the end of his mini sermon, Jesus promised the ultimate form of comfort. The ultimate gift. The Holy Spirit.

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. IF you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am” (John 14:25–28).

On the surface this was probably not the most reassuring sentiment—their Savior and best friend telling them He was going to leave. Right?

But in typical Jesus fashion, even though he was leaving, he still had a plan for providing the disciples with all the comfort and help they would need to live.

Jesus also gives us this same gift of the greatest power source we’ll ever know and ever need – His Holy Spirit.

*For further reflection, listen to John 14 today.

Adapted from Surrender Your Story: Ditch the Myth of Control and Discover Freedom in Trusting God© 2023 by Tara Sun. Published by Thomas Nelson.

Please enjoy our interview with Tara Sun here.